La Sandia

International chef/entrepreneur Richard Sandoval’s first restaurant in Denver was the “modern Mexican” Tamayo, but he didn’t stop with that flagship spot in Larimer Square. He opened the very urban Zengo, then Al Lado, in the heart of the Platte Valley. But for more far-flung, suburban locations – in Park Meadows and Northfield/Stapleton – he had a different idea: La Sandía Cantina, a more casual concept he’s also introduced in Santa Monica and Virginia. This isn’t your average taco hut, though: In addition to expansive menus that include everything from authentic Mexican comfort foods to a “Latin Light” lineup, there are over 150 agave-based spirits in La Sandía’s Tequila Bar (a tequila sommelier is on hand to guide you through the list), and comfortable outdoor patios (Park Meadows comes with a mountain view) where you can linger over lunch or toast the end of a long workday.